By Monique Ebrington
RESIDENTS of the Upper Yarra region and emergency services are preparing, today, for extreme weather and volatile fire conditions.
The weather forecast for today, according to the DSE, is for strong north to north-west winds and temperatures expected to reach the mid to high 30s during the day,
This combination, mixed with a south-westerly wind change later in the afternoon, could bring with it the possibility of lightning.
The Mail spoke to president of the Warburton Highway Tourism and Warburton and District Chamber of Commerce Baden Berry yesterday, who said that people had not become complacent in Warburton, despite being on the alert for weeks.
“There was a town meeting last Thursday and there were a lot of people there. I don’t think there are any signs of complacency,” Mr Berry said.
Mr Berry said that many people know if they are going to leave, to do it early.
“The message to go early is loud and clear, especially in the Warburton area, with only one road out,” he said.
“It’s very quiet today down the main street. Most people have already made up their mind on whether to stay or go,” Mr Berry said.
Warburton’s Mechanics’ Hall was filled, last Thursday 26 February, with residents concerned about the fire threat to the region the following day.
Maps of the fire’s location and incident alerts were handed out to the crowd who sat and stood inside and outside of the hall.
Residents listen to representatives from the shire of Yarra Ranges, Country Fire Authority and the police inform the public on what was happening and to answer their questions.
The CFA’s Liz Thomas advised the crowd on how to know where the fires were and how to prepare themselves and their properties for a fire.
“Listen to the radio. Listen to the ABC who get the information out as soon as they can,” Mrs Thomas said
“If you intend to stay and defend your home make sure you are properly clothed, in non-flammable clothing, you are well hydrated with water and Gatorade and that your house is well prepared and also it can be well defended.
“You need to be physically and emotionally ready to stay.”
The Victorian Bushfire Information Line is 1800 240 667 and provides up-to-date information.
